Proudest Moments of The Past 150 Years

As we celebrate our 150^th anniversary we can’t help but look back over the years with pride. There have certainly been quite a few achievements.

Perhaps a significant milestone at the time was the growth of our modest tailors business from a shop to a garment making factory! Looking back now, we can only imagine the immense pride that our founder, William Sugden must have felt when his sons took the business to new heights, opening up a factory just down the road from his original shop in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.

It was this transition, in 1899, to the factory at Water Lane Mills that enabled the business to grow significantly, providing garments for workforces all around the country, including Britain’s Armed Forces. During the course of the first and second world wars, we would go on to produce close to six million shirts and uniforms for military use.

It’s always nice to be recognised for something exceptional, it lets us know we’re doing a good job! Our designers have always been particularly proud of the work they produce on a variety of bespoke uniforms. Combining the latest trends with efficient, functional workwear is no mean feat. With that in mind, the awards we’ve received over the years give us a real sense of pride.

We were awarded the British Clothing Industry Association (BCIA) Award for Functional Workwear, for the uniform we designed for Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service in 2002. This was followed by another BCIA Award, this time for most Practical Workwear, for our design of the Bentley uniform in 2004.

In 2009 we made it three BCIA Awards. This one was awarded for the corporate wear we devised for the Go Ahead Group, a public transport company. The BCIA would later that year re-brand to become the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFTA).

In 2012, we devised a new uniform for St John Ambulance, taking them away from their traditional ‘Police like’ uniform and revitalising the charity’s image. This scooped us an award at the Professional Clothing Awards for ‘Best Bespoke Uniform Business’.

However, in 2013, the presentation of the Queens Award for Enterprise topped everything! Our Managing Director’s, Richard and John Donner got to meet Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

This led, the following year, to a Royal visit to our head office by the Duke of Kent!

To follow our company timeline, and view more from our archives, visit http://bit.ly/Sugdens150